Pancreatic Cancer chemo side effects

Hello all , My dad has pancreatic cancer which hasn’t spread but was too large to remove during surgery so he is having chemo . He has been told he will have 8 rounds at 2 weeks apart . He is 2 rounds in and for the last week due to chronic diarrhoea cannot even get out of bed without getting exhausted.

Imodium haven’t helped ( he’s taking at least 16 a day )

He is diabetic , had his gall bladder removed and is also taking medication to combat a blood clot on his lung.

Is it ‘normal’ to be this exhausted? I’m so worried about him .

He doesn’t want to eat anything and is rapidly losing weight.

Any advice I can pass on to him to combat the. Diarrhoea would be greatly received.

Thank you 

  • Hi ejlenno

    I'm sorry to hear that your Dad is suffering so much with the side effects from his treatment. It's not surprising that he's feeling so exhausted. 

    If he hasn't spoken to his GP or one of the team managing his care then we would suggest that you, or he, does so as soon as you're able to. Managing his diabetes in conjunction with the side effects is important. 

    Don't be afraid to ring the out of hours GP if you are worried about him over the bank holiday weekend. 

    Let us know how he's doing if you get chance. 
    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • Hi sjlenno

    Most people on cemo are all over the place remember it does affect the brain, but it does wear off after wards, it also affects the body it can affect any wear its just finding out with time some food can help against diarrhoea I'm afraid i don't now which ones, hope I've helped.

    Billy